Virginia Beach elementary schools that can’t meet a June 1 deadline to review all library materials for sexually explicit content can get an extension through Dec. 31, 2025.
Superintendent Donald Robertson told board members Tuesday he could “hit a relief valve” for librarians who need it.
The issue came up after board member Jennifer Franklin proposed modifying a policy created in February that requires elementary school library staff to review all library content for sexually explicit material. Franklin said the policy was creating a burden for some library media specialists — she said some schools have collections exceeding 18,000.
Franklin instead proposed that the elementary policy be changed to align with secondary libraries, which only have to review new, incoming material.
But after Robertson said he could extend the deadline, Franklin withdrew her motion.
Robertson said he and his administration believed the June 1, 2025, deadline was reasonable for most schools. He said some librarians are already wrapping up the process and others are on track to be done by June. Meeting the original deadline is still expected, but those who need the extra time can have it, he said.
The book content committee and related policy came under fire after the board vote in February, with some likening the move to book banning and parents warning of lawsuits.
Those favoring the policy said it was another way to ensure parental rights over what their children read.
Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com